The other reason neutrals may want Liverpool to win the Premier League

Glen Johnson has suggested that Liverpool may be the neutrals preferred Premier League title winners this season.

Johnson suggested that no-one wants to see the same teams winning the title every season. Manchester City last won the title in 2012, Chelsea in 2010. Liverpool’s last title triumph was in 1990.

He also said it might be down to Liverpool’s style of play.

Johnson is quoted in the press, saying: “People watch football to enjoy themselves, see goals and see exciting football, and I think we do provide that. I think people will be rooting for us because it will be something different.”

But there is another reason why neutrals may want Liverpool to become champions this season. They are a side that hasn’t just chucked loads of money at their squad. They haven’t had the riches of Manchester City and Chelsea to spend on players.

That’s not to say they haven’t spent money, but it has taken time to assemble a competitive squad rather than just a major overhaul in one or two transfer windows.

Whenever Chelsea and Manchester City have been lifting trophies – there has been the allegation that they have bought success attached to it. It’s not something that could really be levelled at the side enjoying a rapid rise up the league under Brendan Rodgers.

That rise is also part of the story. That you don’t have to spend loads and loads of money to make go from also-rans of seventh place to being serious title contenders. One or two key players have been brought into Anfield since the manager’s arrival and a lot of the squad that remained under Kenny Dalglish has been improved because of the qualities Rodgers possesses.

It’s virtually unheard of in modern English football that a side can unexpectedly win the title. Maybe the neutrals are after a fairytale?

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.